The COVID-19 pandemic may have been the biggest hurdle to people in search of romance. Although public health and safety protocols can prevent potential first dates from taking place, finding someone you can potentially connect with is digitally possible.
Online dating apps like Tinder have been in existence for years, but there has been a noticeable surge in activity across online dating platforms since the pandemic started. Many believe that the reason behind the increase in online dating activities can be loneliness, which can make people crave human connection. And while this does not apply to everyone, those who feel this way may see online dating apps as platforms where they can explore their options without breaking health and safety codes.
In this article, we will delve into relevant online dating statistics based on the popular dating app called Tinder. Through the Tinder statistics we have gathered, we aim to show you how this dating app has fared over the years, especially during the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Tinder Statistics Table of Contents
Tinder Market Share, Revenue, and General Statistics
Tinder immediately gained traction in both popularity and value after it was successfully marketed among college students. Three years after its launch in 2012, it started reporting millions of dollars in revenue and became a billion-dollar company before celebrating its first decade.
- In 2015, Tinder reported an annual revenue of $47 million. (Tankovska, 2021; Match Group, 2020)
- Tinder achieved its first billion-dollar direct revenue in 2019, which amounted to $1.152 billion. By 2020, Tinder reported $1.4 billion in direct revenue. (Tankovska, 2021; Match Group, 2020)
- At the end of December 2020, Tinder’s direct revenue reached $1.4 billion. (Tankovska, 2021)
- Among online dating platforms, Tinder has the highest percentage (51%) of paying customers.
- As of January 2021, Tinder has 6.44 million downloads, which is also the highest among dating apps. (AppMagic, 2021)
- In terms of monthly visits, Tinder takes the third spot among online dating sites with 59.1 million total visits per month. (SEMrush, 2020)
- The Tinder app is available for download in 190 countries. (Tinder, 2020)
- Tinder is offered in more than 40 languages. (Tinder, 2020)
- Since its launch, Tinder has made more than 60 billion matches. (Tinder, 2020)
Although Tinder is just a part of a billion-dollar industry, it accounts for a significant portion of online dating’s overall market share and revenue. Below are some general statistics from Statista that reflect the current state of the online dating industry, of which Tinder is a part.
- There are more than 1,500 online dating platforms worldwide.
- Online dating’s total revenue increased by 18.9% in 2021 compared to the year prior.
- The average revenue per paying user is $33.66.
- The number of both paying and non-paying users has been increasing steadily in the past three years and is projected to reach 9.29 million and 277.2 million, respectively, by the end of 2021.
- The United States accounts for the majority of the online dating segment’s revenue at $674 million in 2021, followed by India with $454, and then China with $444 million.
Source: Match Group, 2020; Statista 2021
Tinder User Base Statistics
Just like other online dating platforms, Tinder requires its user base to be at least 18 years old. Beyond the age restriction, here are some Tinder statistics gender and other characteristics of its user base’s demographics.
- 75.8% of Android Tinder app users are male and 24.2% are female. (Tankovska, 2021)
- By 2023, the number of dating app users in the US is forecast to reach 25.7 million. (Tankovska, 2021; Kats, 2020)
- Only 11% of Tinder users were White, which is approximately the same percentage of African American users on the platform. (Tankovska, 2021; Morning Consult, 2020)
- According to a study conducted in 2020, 15% of Tinder users have postgraduate degrees and 16% have at least a bachelor’s degree. (Morning Consult, 2020)
- 13% of adults in the US between the ages of 18 and 65+ have used Tinder as of April 2020. (Tankovska, 2021; Morning Consult, 2020)
- Approximately 16% of Tinder users in the US were Gen Zers and 17% were Millennials. (Morning Consult, 2020)
- In terms of political stance,16% of Tinder users identified themselves as Liberals; meanwhile, 13% indicated that they were Conservatives. Furthermore, there were at least 7% who identified as Moderates. (Morning Consult, 2020)
- Tinder currently has nine sexual orientations offered to its users.
Furthermore, Tinder users do not just interact on the Tinder app or website. Many of them flock to other social media platforms where they can interact with other users who share the same interests.
- Tinder statistics Reddit community has reached a record-breaking 4.5 million members, a Reddit trend that has been gaining some momentum in recent years. (Reddit)
Tinder Usage Statistics
As the first dating app to introduce the swipe and match interface, Tinder became a gamechanger in the online dating segment. Furthermore, it also became one of the fastest social platform startups because of the novelty and simplicity it offers to its users. Almost nine years after its launch, Tinder remains on top of the most widely used online dating platforms.
- During its early years, Tinder statistics matches reached an average of four million per day. (Colao)
- In terms of the number of swipes, Tinder reported an average of 350 million swipes each day during its first year alone. (Colao)
- As of Q4 2020, Tinder hit a total of 130 billion downloads—a 10% growth from the previous year.
- 94 billion of Tinder’s overall download count are from Google Play Store. (App Annie, 2021)
- In 2020, Tinder became the most downloaded dating app on Android devices by recording almost 2.6 million downloads within a year. (Tankovska, 2021)
- Tinder’s consumer spend ranked first among dating apps in 2020 and second among non-gaming apps after Netflix. (App Annie, 2021)
- As of March 2021, 68.9% of Android Tinder app users are active on the app monthly. Meanwhile, only 34.5% of Android Tinder app users are active on a daily basis. (Tankovska, 2021)
- Tinder was also the most popular dating app worldwide as of January 2021 with over six million monthly downloads. (Tankovska, 2021; Morning Consult, 2020)
- The average number of users grew by 12% during the last quarter of 2020, bringing the number of Tinder subscribers to 10.9 million. (Tankovska, 2021; Morning Consult, 2020)
- An April 2020 poll revealed that the 30-44 adults in the US were the most active on Tinder with 40% of them have used or have been using the app at the time of the survey. (Tankovska, 2021; Morning Consult, 2020)
- Among its users, 6.6 million are paying for premium subscriptions as of Q3 2020. (Tankovska, 2021; Morning Consult, 2020)
- By using Tinder’s gender feature, more than 145 new matches have been made as of 2020. (Tinder, 2020)
- Tinder users use an average of 4.2 million GIFs per week. (Tinder, 2020)
Top 10 Android Dating Apps Worldwide in October 2020
By downloads in 1,000s
Tinder: 2593.19
Tinder
Badoo: 1799.01
Badoo
Bumble: 588.13
Bumble
happn: 567.62
happn
MeetMe: 550.84
MeetMe
Plenty of Fish: 383.9
Plenty of Fish
Grindr: 343.59
Grindr
OkCupid: 278.86
OkCupid
Match Dating: 224
Match Dating
SCRUFF: 33.19
SCRUFF
Source: Statista, 2021; Airnow PLC
Designed byThe Impact of COVID-19 on Tinder Usage
Just like most social interactions with other people, dating has been upended by the ongoing global pandemic. But with the traditional dating experience restricted due to health risks, people looking to meet potential dates have flocked to online dating platforms. In this section, the Tinder statistics 2021, 2020, and beyond that we have gathered reveal how dating thrives in the online setting.
- Subscriptions to Tinder and other online dating services like Match, and Badoo have increased by 2% since the lockdown. Meanwhile, eharmony’s subscriptions have grown by 1%. (Statista, 2020)
- “Quarantine” was the most common conversation opener on Tinder in 2020. (Tinder, 2020)
- 31% of Millennials revealed that they have been using dating apps more during the pandemic. Meanwhile, 28% admitted that they have been on dating platforms somewhat more than they used to. (Tankovska, 2021; Morning Consult, 2020)
- The messages sent among Tinder users have increased by 52% in April 2020 compared to when the lockdown began in March of the same year. (Tinder, 2020)
- There has been a 67% increase in the swipe volume among Gen Z Tinder users. (Tinder, 2020)
- 16% of Tinder users have used the platform’s passport feature in April 2020, which was 7x more than usual. (Tinder, 2020)
- In the US, more than 50% of online dating app members have been using dating apps more during the pandemic. (Tinder, 2020)
- Mask-wearing habits have also become a crucial part of dating compatibility standards. According to Tinder, a number of users indicate in their profiles that they are not interested in people who refuse to wear masks or do not wear masks properly. (Tinder, 2020)
- The word “mask” has become a dating profile essential to Tinder users with its mentions increasing 10 times in 2020. (Tinder, 2020)
Tinder and Online Dating Statistics
Unlike traditional dating, online dating sites dig more information about someone they might be interested in by checking out their profile pages. Based on recent surveys, below are some of the details Tinder users look for in their potential matches.
- 74% of women and 68% of men reveal that it is absolutely necessary to have photos on the online dating profile pages. (Vogels, 2020)
- The type of relationship you are looking for must be indicated on the profile pages according to 72% of women and 53% of men. (Vogels, 2020)
- Nearly 50% of women and more than 40% of men said that they would also like to see in the profile pages if a person has a child/children or not. (Vogels, 2020)
- Hobbies and interests are the information that 40% of women and 32% of men in online dating sites would like to know about their potential matches. (Vogels, 2020)
- TikTok has also been mentioned 8 times more in 2020 and became an extension platform for Tinder users to share their tastes, show their moves, and brag or flex about themselves. (Tinder, 2020)
Stances on social issues also play a crucial part in determining if a Tinder match is someone a user would like to get to know further.
- In 2020, the mention of Black Lives Matter or BLM has increased 55 times with the majority of Tinder users in search of others who also support the movement. (Tinder, 2020)
- In 2020, the word “vote” was mentioned 50% more than the previous year as a way for Tinder users to learn about their potential matches’ political stand during the US presidential election. (Tinder, 2020)
Source: Tinder, 2020
Tinder vs. Other Dating Apps
Tinder stands out for several reasons when looking at the dating app landscape. Here’s how it compares to other popular dating apps:
- User Base: Tinder boasts one of the largest user bases among dating apps, with over 75 million active users. Bumble has around 42 million users, while Hinge is estimated to have about 6 million. This expansive reach makes Tinder a go-to platform for many seeking casual or serious relationships.
- User Experience: Tinder’s swipe feature is widely recognized and has influenced the design of many other dating apps. While Tinder emphasizes quick interactions through swiping, apps like Hinge focus on user profiles with prompts encouraging deeper connections. On the other hand, Bumble empowers women by allowing them to initiate conversations, which sets it apart from Tinder’s more traditional approach.
- Matchmaking Algorithms: Tinder’s algorithm is designed for speed and convenience, prioritizing proximity and mutual interest. In contrast, Hinge uses a more complex algorithm that considers user interactions and preferences to foster longer-term relationships. Bumble also incorporates user behavior into its matching process, ensuring users find compatible matches based on their interests.
- Dating Goals: Tinder’s user demographics reflect its association with casual dating and hookups. Other apps, like Hinge, market themselves as platforms for users seeking serious relationships, with features designed to promote meaningful connections. Bumble attracts users looking for both casual and serious dating but emphasizes building a respectful environment.
- Safety Features: All three platforms have implemented safety features, but their approaches vary. Tinder offers in-app reporting and profile verification. Bumble has a robust approach to safety, including photo verification and a feature that encourages women to report inappropriate behavior. Hinge also focuses on user safety by providing safety tips and options to block or report users directly.
The Perks and Downsides of Online Dating
A recent study by Pew Research Center on the virtues and downsides of online dating reveals that many online dating site users in the US said that their experience has been positive in general. In fact, 12% of the survey respondents have been married to or in a committed relationship with someone they met through online dating platforms. Furthermore, 23% said they have at least gone on a date with someone they met through online dating sites or apps.
On the other hand, there are those who have suffered from negative experiences, such as harassment. According to the Pew Research Center study, younger women are often the more vulnerable ones. Based on the research, 60% of women from 18 to 34 years old reported that they had been repeatedly contacted by someone they rejected on an online dating platform. Furthermore, 57% revealed that they had received unsolicited messages or images that were sexual in nature. To combat these offenses, Tinder and other online dating sites continue to improve their safety features. Exercising caution, however, remains a user responsibility, especially when it comes to engaging with strangers on the Internet.
If you’re curious how the other online dating sites and apps are faring, you can check out our coverage of OkCupid statistics for a quick start.
Key Insights
- Surge in Online Dating: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased online dating activity as people seek connections while adhering to health and safety protocols. Tinder, among other dating apps, has seen a substantial rise in downloads and user engagement during the pandemic.
- Tinder’s Market Dominance: Tinder leads in market share and revenue within the online dating industry, with a reported $1.4 billion in direct revenue by the end of 2020. The app is available in 190 countries and over 40 languages, making it a global leader in the online dating space.
- User Demographics: Tinder’s user base is predominantly male (75.8%) and consists mainly of Gen Z and Millennials. The app’s users come from diverse educational backgrounds and political stances, reflecting its broad appeal.
- Impact of the Pandemic: The pandemic has led to a 52% increase in messages sent and a 67% increase in swipe volume among Gen Z users. “Quarantine” and “mask” have become common terms in user profiles, indicating changes in dating preferences due to the pandemic.
- Engagement and Activity: Tinder records over 6 million monthly downloads, maintaining its position as the most popular dating app worldwide. Users are highly active, with 68.9% of Android users engaging with the app monthly and 34.5% daily.
FAQ
- How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected Tinder usage? The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in Tinder usage, with more people turning to online dating due to restrictions on traditional social interactions. Messages sent on Tinder increased by 52%, and swipe volume among Gen Z users rose by 67%.
- What is Tinder’s market share in the online dating industry? Tinder holds a significant market share in the online dating industry, leading in both revenue and downloads. It reported $1.4 billion in direct revenue in 2020 and has the highest percentage of paying customers among online dating platforms.
- What are the demographics of Tinder users? Tinder’s user base is predominantly male (75.8%) and includes a mix of Gen Zers and Millennials. Users come from various educational backgrounds, with 15% holding postgraduate degrees and 16% having at least a bachelor’s degree.
- Which country has the most Tinder users? The United States has the highest number of Tinder users, contributing significantly to the app’s overall user base and revenue.
- How do Tinder users typically interact on the platform? Tinder users engage in millions of swipes and messages daily. The platform’s swipe and match interface has revolutionized online dating, making it a popular choice for quick and easy interactions.
- How has the term “mask” become relevant on Tinder? During the pandemic, many Tinder users have included “mask” in their profiles to indicate their stance on mask-wearing, which has become an important factor in dating compatibility.
- What safety measures has Tinder implemented to protect users? Tinder has improved its safety features to combat harassment and unsolicited messages. Users are encouraged to exercise caution and use the app’s safety tools to report and block inappropriate behavior.
- How does Tinder compare to other dating apps in terms of downloads and revenue? Tinder consistently ranks as the top dating app in terms of downloads and revenue. It was the most downloaded dating app on Android devices in 2020 and ranked first in consumer spending among dating apps.
- What role do social issues play in Tinder profiles? Social issues such as Black Lives Matter and political stances have become important aspects of Tinder profiles, with users mentioning these topics to find like-minded matches.
- How has the pandemic influenced the conversation starters on Tinder? Terms like “quarantine” have become popular conversation openers on Tinder during the pandemic, reflecting the shared experience of lockdowns and social distancing among users.
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